ClassicCar

You're correct in buying something that's simple and "common", relatively easy to work on (with not too many "gizmoes" to go bad) and something whose parts will be relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain. (Later, when you want more of a challenge and have acquired some experience, you can tackle a more exotic car!)



First, be sure you've reviewed cars of different eras and styles, before you make a decision. Once you buy a car and start investing your scarce dollars and hours in it, you don't want to suddenly realize that you could have had a much neater looking car for the same price! Look through some picture books of cars, and get out to some antique car shows. Getting to the shows will allow you to actually talk to some of the owners about how easy it is to work on their cars, how much the parts are and how easy to acquire, and what sort of prices you might have to pay for such a car.



Pick several candidates of cars that you like, then try to find the best bargain. (Don't buy something you only half like, simply because it's a bargain.)



Warning: it's better to spend a few thousand more for something that's really solid and in relatively good shape, than to get a "bargain" rust bucket non-runner for $500. Better to start with something that you can actually drive and enjoy while you're fixing it up. You could sink thousands into a car with a badly rusted body, before you're even ready to invest thousands more into painting, chrome plating, and fixing the engine.



Once you've selected your car, find a club that deals in that make (or better yet, the year and model) of car. If they have a local chapter of the club, join that as well. Get out to meets, and meet some owners of similar cars. You'll often find that these people are happy to help out a fellow collector, especially a newbie. The club will serve as a clearinghouse for information and a supply of parts. A support group, if you will.



Bit by bit you'll learn how to fix up your car from your fellow club members, and with any luck you'll make some good friends as well.